Beyond Parts and Equipment Newsfeed

May 2004

Industry Related News from Various News Sources

May 28, 2004

FIX AUTO Names ADP Claims Services Group's Shoplink the Preferred Estimating System for Network PRNewswire - FIX AUTO, a network of independent collision repair facilities, invests in technology to increase efficiency and generate business results for its members and their trading partners. It facilitates relationships between collision repair facilities and insurance companies to provide better service, lower costs and simplified management. FIX AUTO has chosen Shoplink as the preferred estimating system to further the network's goals.
Body shop owner stole from elders, is shut down Maui News - A Kahului auto body shop owner facing criminal and civil charges of fraud, theft and forgery has been banned from operating the business and ordered to pay $240,000 to 22 vehicle owners that he defrauded.
Toyota still on a roll with Corolla Redding Business News - It was 35 years ago that the humble Corolla rolled onto our shores, but Toyota had been toying with the American market for a few years before that with even humbler models such as the Corona.
Judge sends cop car suits to state courts Detroit Free Press - Ford's request to keep Crown Vic class actions together is declined
Union: Bridgestone/Firestone violated our free speech Jackson Sun - Bridgestone/Firestone North America illegally forced the United Steel Workers of America to take down a billboard criticizing the company, the union charged in a lawsuit filed Wednesday.
Gas prices create nightmares for proprietors Maryland Gazette - In order to compete with companies like Amoco and Shell, the little guys have to keep their prices very low and maintain another income source. -- Independent gas station owner said he makes more money selling a bottle of Coke for a dollar than on $20 worth of gas.
Auto-related companies receive tax credits Louisville Business Journal - Two projects that would bring up to 40 new jobs to Louisville received preliminary approval for state tax credits Thursday from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority.
N.J. to Assess High-Tech Auto Safety Gadgets Insurance Journal - The McGreevey Administration thinks new safety technology for autos and roadways such as on-board navigation systems may be helpful in reducing auto insurance crashes and costs in New Jersey.
Key is in ignition for auto insurance revamp Boston Globe - Governor Mitt Romney is starting to make good on his pledge to revamp the state's auto insurance system.

May 27, 2004

Keystone Automotive Industries to Report Fiscal 2004 Fourth Quarter & Year-End Financial Results PrimeZone - Charles J. Hogarty, president and chief executive officer, and John M. Palumbo, chief financial officer, will host an investor conference call the same day at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss the company's financial results and operations for the fiscal year.
Continuing Education Program Provides Insurers Auto-Related Claims Education PRNewswire - PPG PROSTARS and the CertifiedFirst(TM) Network offer expert advice, training
Former Carstar CEO becomes Corporate Lodging New CEO Wichita Business Journal - In his new job, Hansen will be responsible for the overall management of Corporate Lodging and its affiliates and will serve as a member of its board of directors.
Tip Leads Officials To Auto Body Shop Drug Bust Click 2 Houston.com - Authorities found the getaway pickup truck with $100,000 cash inside -- all in $100 bills.
Zhejiang becomes auto part export giant Xinhuanet - East China's Zhejiang Province exported 192 million US dollars worth of auto parts during the first four months of the year, up 95.4 percent year-on-year, according to local customs.
Car buyers are high on hybrids USA Today - Low production of the vehicles by Toyota and Honda has customers waiting months. Shoppers typically can't even see a new model, let alone test-drive one.
DaimlerChrysler pulls out of plant Detroit News - Automaker won't use Mitsubishi's Illinois factory
Chubb Survey: One in Four Private Companies Sued by Employees, Former Employees Insurance Journal - Executives at as many as half the firms surveyed say it is likely that an employee may sue them, their board members and their companies and/or lodge a discrimination complaint with federal or state authorities in 2004. And nearly one-third believe that an allegation or actual case of wrongful termination, discrimination or harassment has the potential to inflict financial or other serious damage to their company.
Quick: Insurance adjusters will trust records Daily Sun - As cleanup continues in Southeast Nebraska, the focus turns from the devastation to beginning the long process of rebuilding. The first step for many victims is contacting insurance companies.
Doctors And Patients Benefit When Insurers Are Bypassed The Heartland Institute - "Many doctors are frustrated by the state of our current health care system," and especially frustrated by "third-party entities interfering in their practice, pushing them toward a system that focuses on arcane regulations, not on patient care."

May 26, 2004

Lawsuit Shines Light on Little-Known Guidelines for Auto Repair Bills Baltimore Sun - If an auto repair shop says it charges $70 an hour for labor, and the job takes one hour, how much is the labor bill? David Verdiner thought the answer should be $70 when he had his car fixed at a Pep Boys garage. -- Tens of thousands of auto repair shops nationwide that aren't affiliated with dealerships purchase labor estimates from two obscure firms based in California — Mitchell Repair Information Co. in Poway and Alldata in Elk Grove.
AutoZone posts higher profit Reuters - AutoZone Inc, the largest U.S. auto parts retailer, on Wednesday reported higher quarterly earnings as sales to repair shops rose.
Man sent to prison in car repair scam SignonSanDiago.com - An Escondido man was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday for his part in cheating auto repair shop customers out of thousands of dollars for unneeded repairs.
Visteon, UAW settle contract Detroit News - Visteon Corp. agreed to add new products at its Rawsonville Road powertrain component plant as part of a local contract settlement with the United Auto Workers union, preserving hundreds of jobs.
GM Orion plant reborn with 2005 Pontiac G6 Detroit News - Factory will add 300 jobs as part of $300 million upgrade
Chrysler Group President Dieter Zetsche Says North American Automotive Industry is Reinventing Itself to Stay Competitive in 21st Century PRNewswire - * North American auto industry is evolving, not faltering * Strong business processes, cost reduction and large-scale product offensive will keep Chrysler Group on top * Cites Illinois' stake in the auto industry
DaimlerChrysler hit by third suit over merger Yahoo News - DaimlerChrysler has been hit by a third lawsuit claiming that the 1998 deal that formed the German-American automaker cheated investors out of billions of dollars because it was deceptively billed as a "merger of equals" rather than a takeover.
Ford pays $37.5 million in 1995 Kentucky crash Detroit News - Linda M. Hopgood, an attorney for the Pitts family, said the amounts awarded are large, but justified given the design flaws in the vehicle. -- “It was unsafe and had a high propensity to roll,” she said.
DuPont Announces Leadership Changes PRNewswire - DuPont announced changes in management responsibilities for its investor relations and strategic planning functions.
Copart Reports Third Quarter Financial Results Yahoo News - In the third quarter of fiscal 2004 Copart earned net income of $24,964,400 on revenues of $116,618,400. In the same period last year the company earned $15,422,800 on revenues of $93,928,700. These represent increases in net income and revenue of 62% and 24%, respectively. Fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $.27 compared to $.17 last year, an increase of 59%.
Has Your Car Got The Goods On You? The Omaha Channel - CDRs Record Data In Accidents
Airbags Save Lives Keloland.com - Vehicles have been equipped with seat belts for years. It's only been recently that the government has asked car makers to install more airbags to absorb the shock of side-impact crashes. The proposed changes include a device that could prevent some head injuries.
Mainstreet Computers Introduces Latest GLAXIS-Enabled Software Business Wire - Mainstreet Computers launched the latest version of its GLAXIS-enabled glass shop software, offering inventory costing by vendor, a payroll system, warranty tracking and complete electronic insurance claims management to streamline business operations.
Idea will change car parts supply industry ic Birminham - Motoring4, which initially started out as a means of sourcing obsolete parts, is in talks with a number of the UK's leading insurance firms and accident repair centers on tailoring bespoke packages of its BASEplus model to meet growing demand for new processes.
Workers put price on hail The Advocate, OH - Chris Lesch, State Farm's estimatics section manager, said automobile damage claims from the storm are averaging about $2,500 to $3,000 currently; that figure will probably decrease because, typically, most claims filed shortly after such storms are for more valuable vehicles, he said. Area residents have filed about 500 claims with the company so far, Lesch said.
Americans Believe Insurance Fraud Occurs Because People Think They Can Get Away With It Business Wire - The survey, based on a random sample of more than 1,000 U.S. adults, is Accenture's second annual survey examining consumer attitudes toward insurance fraud; results of the first survey were released in February 2003.
Insurer advice asked on laws Baltimore Sun - The meeting had been criticized by some lawmakers and groups worried about the appearance of a close relationship between Maryland's insurance chief and the companies he oversees.

May 25, 2004

Mitchell Launches UltraMate ''Premier Suite'' to Optimize Appraisal Workflow for Collision Repair Shops Business Wire - Integrated and full-featured solution enables shops to process claims faster, more easily and enhance relationships with insurance partners
CCC Information Services Inc.: 1995 Saturn SL Tops Most Stolen Vehicle List; Acura, Honda Dominate Top 25 Business Wire - CCC, a technology provider to the automotive claims and collision repair industry, identifies the most-stolen vehicles by analyzing total loss claims it receives from more than 350 property and casualty insurers in North America. This year, CCC compared its stolen-vehicle data against vehicle registration volume information provided by R. L. Polk & Co. to determine the rate of theft as a percentage of registered vehicles. The vehicle with the highest theft percentage is deemed the year's most stolen vehicle.
Fake car parts kill – industry warns against counterfeit parts AME Info - A stark warning was recorded today at the Automechanika Gulf Academy that those involved in the counterfeit car parts industry could also be responsible for the deaths caused by defective, fake auto parts.
Foreign companies are ripping off patents of American products and selling them cheaper Indy Star - General Motors has reported discovering shoddy filters, brakes, shocks, pumps, wheel covers, windshields and batteries, all using the trademarks of GM and its subsidiaries. The automaker even discovered a copy of an entire vehicle in China.
Tenneco Automotive to Withdraw Equity Offering Due to Weak Market PRNewswire - Tenneco Automotive announced today that the company is not proceeding with its proposed public offering of approximately $150 million, or 11.9 million shares of its common stock as previously announced on April 16, 2004.
Schnier to Head VeriFacts IT Staff Computer World - Cynthia Schnier has joined the management team of VeriFacts Automotive LLC as CIO. Newport Beach, Calif.-based VeriFacts provides technical and training services to the collision repair industry. Schnier will design and implement workflow and management reporting systems. She previously served as CIO at Insurance Auto Auctions Inc.
Keystone Automotive Industries Fourth Quarter 2004 Financial Results Conference Call Yahoo News - Scheduled to start Thu, Jun 3, 2004, 2:00 pm Eastern
Students Design Auto Harness to Protect Elderly, Others With Brittle Bone Disorders Senior Journal - When a car crash occurs, people with osteoporosis and other brittle bone disorders often suffer more serious injuries. To better protect these “fragile” motorists, three Johns Hopkins undergraduate engineering students have devised a harness and vest system that significantly reduced impact forces when tested on a high-tech crash dummy.
General Motors' OnStar Subsidiary Observes National Missing Children's Day PRNewswire - OnStar encourages subscribers to join efforts in bringing missing children home
DaimlerChrysler Insurance Company Donates $10,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital PRNewswire - Proceeds Benefit Cancer Research and Help Families with Medical Expenses
Venture Corp. owner resigns from board of auto supplier Detroit Free Press -- A cofounder and majority owner of bankrupt automotive supplier Venture Corp. has resigned from its board amid a lawsuit that claims he and his family siphoned millions of dollars from the company.
Tips for Safe Night Driving from the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council PRNewswire - With the summer vacation season fast approaching, more drivers will soon take to the highways, traveling all hours of the day to reach their destinations.
Car Insurance and Your Financial Future Newstream - Millions of Americans are getting ready for their annual Memorial Day weekend road trips. But what if you get into an auto accident and get injured? The other driver's insurance will automatically pay for your medical bills, right? Not necessarily. If you're not careful, your life savings may end up paying for your medical expenses -- even if the accident wasn't your fault.

May 24, 2004

Ford adds muscle to heavy-duty line Detroit News - The F-350 boosts hauling, towing for 2005 in bid to hold longtime leadership in market
Hyundai fares well in another auto quality survey Detroit News - GM ranks high in 11 of 19 categories
Repairers focus on issues at SCRS Autobody Online - The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) recently gathered industry leaders from around the country to discuss what they see as key issues facing the industry. About 100 people, including shop owners and representatives of SCRS state and regional affiliate associations, attended the National Industry Issues Forum, and culled a list of two dozen issues down to four they most see a need for work on in the coming year.
Visteon Announces Tentative Agreement With IUE-CWA Local 907 Yahoo News - Visteon Corporation announced it has reached a tentative agreement with IUE-CWA Local 907.
Business Digest Billings Gazette - State Farm Insurance Co. donated 10 laptop computers to the College of Technology's Auto Collision and Repair program for use by students and faculty. The College's Auto Collision Repair program is NATEF and ICAR certified. The training programs offered at the COT are continually upgraded to meet the changing dynamics of business and industry.
Auto plant to stay open Pantagraph - Normal facility has role in Mitsubishi restructuring
Auto body shop to stay open until at least July The Arizona Republic - A custom auto body shop in Old Town Avondale will stay open until at least July despite a growing movement at City Hall to shutter the business for failing to comply with a series of requirements imposed by city planners.
Machines with muscle main attractions at show Mansfield News Journal - A total of 50 cars -- ranging from a 1913 Model T Ford to a customized Chrysler PT Cruiser -- were on display for the fund-raiser for the Career Center's SkillsUSA-VICA student organization and the Ashland Police Department's DARE program.
Emerald in the Rough 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine - Tom's Auto Body of Boyd, Texas, completed the high-quality bodywork using PPG paint in a '93 Honda Del Sol color.
Act like an executive Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - PPG Industries uses DDI's assessment center program in the United States, Europe and Asia to prepare mid-level managers to assume increasing levels of responsibility. "What we like about it is it's an opportunity for them to get a very objective rigorous feedback from multiple, highly trained assessors," said Harvette Dixon, director, learning and development, for PPG. "It's high stretch. It's really testing them out of their environment."
And then there's fraud North Shore - Auto insurance scammers have been plying their trade in Lynn, but if a new task force has its way, the con will be gone.
Insurance firm owner gets 7 years for fraud Courier-Post Staff - The owner of a defunct Pennsauken insurance company was sentenced Friday to seven years in state prison and ordered to pay more than $1 million in restitution for insurance fraud and tax charges.

May 21, 2004

Earl Scheib Signs Letter of Intent to Be Acquired by Elden Holding Group, LLC Yahoo News - Earl Scheib, Inc., founded in 1937, is a nationwide operator of 113 auto paint and body shops located in approximately 100 cities throughout the United States. -- Elden Holding Group, LLC, founded in 1986, is a real estate investment company based in Sherman Oaks, CA. Elden and its affiliates own and/or manage real assets valued at approximately $180 million in California and Hawaii.
Visteon plant ready for strike Detroit News - Rawsonville talks fail Thursday after auto supplier gives counterproposal to UAW
GM's Saab to relocate U.S. headquarters, cut jobs Reuters - General Motors Corp.'s Saab brand will relocate its U.S. headquarters to Detroit from Atlanta and cut some of its 80 jobs in the move, officials said on Thursday.
M'bishi Motors gets $4 billion bailout CBS MarketWatch - Mitsubishi Motors unveiled its long-awaited revival plan Friday, which includes 450 billion yen ($4 billion) in funding to shore up its capital base.
Ford, Mustang devotees celebrate pony car's 40th Detroit News - Industry festivities attract hundreds
Monro Muffler sales set record Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - Even though net income declined 12 percent in the fourth quarter, Monro Muffler Brake Inc.’s sales and earnings reached record numbers for the fiscal year ended March 29, the company said Thursday.
Church puts cars back on straight and narrow The Seattle Times - Slumped over the wheel of a stubborn car that just won't start, many a desperate person has pleaded with God for help.
Auto supplier laying off 42 workers Delaware Online - The Plymouth, Mich.-based auto supplier, Johnson Controls, which has been in Delaware since 1999, is shutting down its plant because it wasn't able to renew its contracts with DaimlerChrysler AG and General Motors Corp. The move will not impact Johnson Controls' battery manufacturing facility in Middletown, which employs about 300 workers.
Buffett Continues to Sell Motley Fool - Berkshire sold off all of its shares in two companies: Automatic Data Processing and Dover. Buffett had begun reducing his position in both companies in the previous quarter.
Illinois House Rejects Higher Auto Insurance Limits Insurance Journal - An Illinois Senate bill that would have increased private passenger automobile financial responsibility limits was overwhelmingly defeated on the House floor this afternoon, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), an industry-funded lobbying group.

May 20, 2004

New cars loaded with gadgetry, high style Detroit News - Cobo event has latest in car decor
Measure Targeting ‘Shakedown’ Suits Qualifies for Ballot Metropolitan News Company - Allan Zaremberg, president of the California Chamber of Commerce and CSSL co-chair, said in a statement that the state’s small businesses “have been held hostage by the threat of frivolous lawsuits for too long and they have cost consumers and working families too much.” -- The group’s Web site cites, among other alleged abuses, suits against auto repair and body shops.
Cops stumble upon alleged chop shop The Times-Picayune - Search for hit-and-run suspect turns up stolen cars, they say
Experian Auto buys AutoCount Washington Times (UPI) - Experian Automotive is a unit of information solutions company Experian. AutoCount is an auto research firm which provides dealers and lenders with access to key information on new and used vehicle sales.
China's Auto Suppliers Need Greater Investment in Business Systems Yahoo News - As China's automotive suppliers rush to meet the demands of the world's fastest-growing automotive market, an overcapacity problem already may be brewing, according to a new study written by Economist Corporate Network and released today by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and IBM Business Consulting Services' Institute for Business Value.
Handbuilt Custom: First Time Is a Charm Hot Bike - Dale Talley owns a shop called Dale's Auto Body and Upholstery in Kansas City, Kansas, and has been building custom cars and trucks for years. Recently, big twin bikes have caught the public's eye like never before, and Dale and his crew is no exception.
Automotive Interior Trim Market Growing to $10 Billion by 2009 Yahoo News - The growth represents a 33 percent increase from the $7.5 billion market in 2004. CSM's figures, based on piece-cost estimates, represent the combined market value for the following interior components: door trim panels, floor carpeting, floor consoles, headliners, instrument panels and package trays.
Junkyard goes green Daily Commercial - Salvage dealer meets DEP standards
SBA Honors Small Business Contributions of National Champion Award Winners US Newswire - The awards were presented at a luncheon event at SBA Expo '04, the agency's three-day conference celebrating National Small Business Week.
Testers Call GEICO On Claims Of Saving Time, Money WRAL - The commercials make it look like big savings are just a phone call away, so Consumer Reports gave them a call.

May 19, 2004

McGee wants crackdown on those who aid in insurance fraud cases The Daily Item, MA - State Sen. Thomas M. McGee wants to ban runners, but his targets are not athletes; they are individuals who lure others into committing insurance fraud. -- Insurance fraud runners solicit clients for attorneys, health professionals and automobile body repair shops involved in filing false accident claims.
Are Air Bags Hurting More Than Helping? Katu.com - An air bag is an explosive device that blasts toward occupants at speeds of up to 200 miles an hour and in most cases they work well. Air bag injuries are rare, but sometimes deadly.
CCC Information Services Inc. Signs Agreement with CompUSA Yahoo News - CCC Information Services Inc., a leading supplier of information and technology software and services to the automotive-claims and collision-repair industry, today announced it has signed an agreement with CompUSA to provide CCC classroom facilities for training on CCC Pathways® products. CompUSA is the nation's leading retailer and reseller of personal computer-related products and services.
Visteon Promotes Engineering Excellence Through FutureTruck Competition PRNewswire - Visteon Corporation is proud to be a major sponsor of FutureTruck 2004, a program that challenges teams of engineering students from 15 top North American universities to re-engineer 2002 Ford Explorers to reduce emissions and achieve at least a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy.
Visteon Supply Chain Directors to Speak at Autologistics Asia Conference in Shanghai PRNewswire - Two supply chain directors from Visteon Corporation will speak on global supply chain challenges and opportunities at the Autologistics Asia 2004 Conference May 19-20, 2004, in Shanghai, China.
Use of aluminum grows in vehicles Detroit News - Higher costs offset by weight reduction in blocks, transmissions.
Delphi pay deal to boost growth Detroit News - Chairman says two-tier wage system will allow corporation to attract new business
Lear Corporation Announces Organizational Changes PRNewswire - Lear Corporation, a FORTUNE 500 company headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, USA, focuses on integrating complete automotive interiors, including seat systems, interior trim and electrical systems.
Diamond Triumph Auto Glass, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2004 Results PRNewswire - Diamond Triumph Auto Glass, Inc. announced today that net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 decreased $0.7 million, or 1.3%, to $53.4 million as compared to $54.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.
H&H Auto Service follows old formula to success Carolina Morning News - They provide a service that people need, and they do it fairly and with a smile. It's a formula for success that is far from secret, but not easily accomplished. Especially the smile part.
Earhart opens body shop; follows father's footsteps Fairmont Sentinel - Dana Earhart opened the business about a month ago, following in the footsteps of his father, Norman, who operated the Hide-away Body Shop in the 1950s east of the former Walser's True Value Hardware Store.
Copart, Inc. to Webcast Third Quarter Fiscal 2004 Results Yahoo News - Copart, Inc. announced that it will release earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2004 after the close of market on Tuesday, May 25, 2004.
Geico likely would bank on pricing Newark Star Ledger - If Geico returns to New Jersey, as some state officials expect, the auto insurer likely will fly in just under the pricing radar of competitors and appeal to customers who want to bypass insurance agents.
N.Y. Claims Adjusters Indicted on Fraud, Other Charges (Revision) Insurance Journal - Queens (N.Y.) District Attorney Richard Brown, joined by Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and State Insurance Department Superintendent Gregory Serio, announced recently that three auto insurance claims' adjusters from Nassau County have been indicted on insurance fraud and other charges and accused of unlawfully receiving illicit payments up to $200 in return for submitting to three insurance carriers enhanced vehicle damage and repair estimates totaling nearly $24,000.
S.C. Voids Permissive User Limitation in Auto Insurance Policy Metropolitan News-Enterprise - An auto insurance policy endorsement used by one of the state’s largest auto insurers, limiting coverage for permissive users to the statutory minimum, was insufficiently conspicuous to be valid, the state high court ruled yesterday.
Geico sues Google, Overture over trademarks CNET News - The insurer charged the two companies with infringing on its trademarks when they sold them as keywords to Geico's rivals, so that the protected terms could appear in sponsored search results. According to the suit, that practice causes consumer confusion, in violation of the Lanham Act, the primary federal law covering trademark registration and protection.
State Auto netXpress Enables Real-Time Processing on Agency Portal Business Wire - State Auto has enhanced its agency portal with functionality for independent agents to receive policy quotes, request policy issuance, and complete endorsement transactions, all in real-time.

May 18, 2004

Magna strikes deal to buy DaimlerChrysler unit Reuters - The Canadian auto parts maker, which had long been checking out the New Venture Gear business, said it would initially own 80 percent of the business in a joint venture with DaimlerChrysler, taking full control by September 2007.
How The Car Industry Is Doing Forbes - The auto business is looking strong. Sales are ahead of last year's, and the U.S. economy seems to be gaining strength every day. New jobs are being added to the economy, and the manufacturing sector is showing signs of improvement.
Visteon's Gyllstrom to Speak at 2004 Global Aftermarket Symposium PRNewswire - Gregory Gyllstrom, Visteon Corporation's vice president of North American and Asian Aftermarket Operations will speak at the Ninth Global Aftermarket Symposium sponsored by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturer's Association. The symposium will be held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, IL, May 18 - 19, 2004.
Visteon Congratulates Hyundai on Its Most Improved Performance in J.D. Power Initial Quality PRNewswire - Visteon Corporation, which made a small contribution as a supplier, congratulates Hyundai Motor Co. on its impressive improvement in J.D. Power & Associates 2004 Initial Quality Survey, particularly through a 45 percent improvement in the perceived quality of Visteon's Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems supplied across Hyundai's vehicle lines.
Universal Technical Institute Receives License Approval From Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Operate New Exton Campus PRNewswire-FirstCall - Universal Technical Institute, Inc. announced the Pennsylvania Department of Education voted to approve and grant a license to Universal Technical Institute, Inc., allowing the organization to operate a new campus in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Alcan Automotive to set up joint venture in China Auto Asia - Alcan will be the majority shareholder in the business with an as yet unnamed Chinese partner, which should begin production of bumper products in 2005.
Accessity Corp. to Acquire Pacific Ethanol, Kinergy Marketing and Re-Energy Yahoo News - Accessity's operating entities, primarily Sentaur (a health care services company) and the royalty stream from its former nationwide auto collision repair management program for the insurance industry (known as DriverShield), are unrelated to the ethanol business and will be transferred to Accessity's Chairman and CEO, Barry Siegel, in lieu of a cash buyout of his employment contract.
Automotive And Manufacturing Training Consortium Finally Goes High Profile MI Tech News - The Automotive and Manufacturing Training Consortium is hosting a webcast on May 20 for distance learning content providers to find out how they can co market with the state and industry backed-group - a sort of coming out party.
Auto Technicians In Demand In Wisconsin Channel 3000 - Skilled auto technicians are in demand in Wisconsin, according to at least one expert.
Under Age? Entrepreneur.com - If you thought it was gutsy to pave your own destiny with a franchise, imagine buying one at 20.
New auto repair shop emerges from the ashes Evening Sun, PA - Dennis Wonder is rebuilding business destroyed by fire in January.
Oxford Automotive, Inc. Sells Mexican Plant and Amends Credit Agreement PRNewswire - Oxford Automotive, Inc. announced today the closing of the sale of its manufacturing facility located in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico for approximately US$40 million (including US$3 million to be held in escrow). Pending investment of the net proceeds in capital assets, the company has applied the funds to reduce the amount currently outstanding under its revolving credit facility.
Several insurers subpoenaed in Spitzer probe Reuters - The subpoenas are part of Spitzer's broader investigation into the fees earned by insurance brokers and the relationship between brokers and insurance companies. At issue is whether the fees that insurers pay brokers as an incentive to sell their products constitute a fair business practice.
A Bumpier Ride Boston Globe - Governor Mitt Romney says the Massachusetts auto insurance system is broken, but it seems to be working just fine for the state's largest carrier.

May 17, 2004

“How Low Can You Go?” Autobodyonline.com - Are Insurers Price-Shopping Collision Repairers Into Repairer Limbo?
CCC's Recycled Parts Services -RPS- Version 2.0 Gives Insurers New Access, Utility Tools; Repair facilities, independent appraisers benefit via part supplier updates Business Wire - CCC Information Services Inc, a leading supplier of information and technology software and services to the automotive-claims and collision-repair industry, is building on its industry-leading recycled parts product with the release of RPS Version 2.0.
Auto salvage company, others settle software piracy lawsuits Times-Herald - Fairfield-based Copart Auto Salvage, formerly of Benicia, was among five Bay Area businesses reaching settlements this week for software piracy totaling nearly $400,000.
Elegance lost Detroit News - There was a time when elegant car design was cherished, but that period appears to have passed. Blunt faced, sharp edged shapes with exaggerated features are ruling the road today. I wonder if I'm the only one bothered by this trend.
Delaware House Bill Introduced News Journal - S.B. 260 (Henry) - Enhances air bag safety in two contexts. First, the Automobile Occupants Restraints Council has identified a national problem with unscrupulous repair shops installing fake or nonfunctioning air bags in vehicles. Similar to laws in 14 other states, this bill clarifies that this practice may be considered consumer fraud within the scope of Delaware's Auto Repair Fraud Prevention statute. Second, although Delaware law already requires the maintenance of "occupant protection systems" in vehicles, it is unclear if this requirement only applies to seat belts. Also clarifies that this duty also applies to air bags unless qualifying under an authorized exemption. To Public Safety.
Auto Magazines Court Younger Car Lovers Reuters - Automobile magazines are getting souped up, with new editions and redesigns aimed at attracting a younger generation interested in more than road tests of pricey new cars or the life span of a battery.
Visteon contract extended WTHR - Workers at Bedford's Visteon plant and their union agree to extend their current contract, thereby avoiding a possible strike.
UAW delays Visteon strike Detroit Free Press - The union is at odds with Visteon because the supplier is looking to reduce the workforce at the plant, said Kharmon Olds, committee chairwoman at Local 898. The company is looking to cut 30 percent to 40 percent of the 2,074 hourly workers at the facility in Van Buren Township, she said. The contract expired in September.
Deer numbers _ and collisions _ up in North Dakota The Associated Press - Auto body worker Vaughn Thompson has no need for a study to tell him the number of deer collisions has nearly tripled in North Dakota over the last decade.
Automotive repair program shows off its feminine side Bradenton Herald - The term "mechanic" is a no-no. -- Better make it "technician," please.
Society of Automotive Analysts Partners with Auto Interiors Show; OEM Designers to Discuss Future of Auto Interiors PRNewswire - General Motors' David Rand and Ford Motor Company's Marek Reichman -- two of Detroit's top interior strategy gurus -- will outline their company's respective directions at the "Future of Automotive Interiors" special panel presentation scheduled for Wednesday, May 19.
High Gas Prices Are Here To Stay Forbes - Americans have grown accustomed to short-term spikes in gasoline prices (usually right before the summer's peak driving season begins, it would seem). They shrug it off, fill up their big sport utility vehicles at $2 per gallon and then drive away from the pump comforted in the knowledge that gas prices will come back down eventually. -- But with global demand for crude oil rising, there's reason to argue that higher gas prices are here to stay.
GEICO in talks to come back to NJ Newark Star Ledger - GEICO, the nation's fifth-largest auto insurer, is in serious negotiations with state officials to return to New Jersey.

May 14, 2004

Visteon Names Jim Ryan Director, North America Aftermarket Sales PRNewswire - Visteon Corporation has appointed Jim Ryan director of North America Aftermarket Sales. Ryan will be responsible for the growth and development of Visteon's North American Aftermarket Underhood Parts business.
Visteon Radiators Meet the Endurance Challenge of NASCAR(R) Teams PRNewswire - The true test for underhood parts is meeting the challenges of temperature and endurance demanded by NASCAR(R) race teams. Visteon Corporation and NASCAR re-signed the agreement for Visteon Aftermarket to be the manufacturer of Officially Licensed NASCAR Performance radiators.
Arizona Governor Signs Law to Prevent Steering GlassBYTEs - The law requires insurance companies to inform policyholders of the right to choose the company to repair cracked or broken windshields.
Automotive Suppliers Applaud Rep. Knollenberg’s Anti-Counterfeiting Bill BusinessRPM - “Counterfeiting has become a serious problem for manufacturers of automotive products, as well as thousands of other American manufacturers,” said MEMA Chairman Scott Meyer. “In addition to billions of dollars of lost sales and lost jobs, counterfeit automotive parts, components and tools often do not meet our standards for quality, performance and safety; this creates a serious risk to public safety and hurts the reputation of legitimate suppliers that are victimized by counterfeiters. Congressman Knollenberg has stepped forward to address these problems in a very effective way with his bill.”
Repair Shop Faces Numerous Consumer Complaints WFTV.com - Some consumers claim a local repair chain held their cars hostage, after running up their bills for charges they never agreed to. And that's just the tip of the dipstick when it comes to complaints against a transmission repair chain with a very familiar name.
Pep Boys partners with Continental Tire Charlotte Business Journal - Pep Boys, a Philadelphia-based auto-repair and parts chain, will begin selling the tires Sunday in its nearly 600 stores nationally.
Pep Boys Drives On Motley Fool - I've read a lot of earnings reports in my day and the one that Pep Boys issued last night was one of the scantiest I've seen. The press release that the auto-parts company put out last week about a new distribution center was longer and more in-depth.
Suit: Auto insurance overpaid Denver Post - Lawyers for a group of Colorado motorists claim consumers have systematically overpaid auto insurance premiums for the past 25 years and should be reimbursed.

May 13, 2004

Auto body shop owner Boyd Group Shows $1.6 Million Q1 Profit CNW - "There is tremendous value creation potential for consolidators in the North American automobile collision repair industry and we are focused on continuing to capitalize on this market opportunity."
U.S. seeks tougher side-impact auto crash rules Reuters - The U.S. government wants to make automakers meet more rigorous crash test standards for side-impact accidents, which claim thousands of lives annually, U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
Storm brings extra business to area - Hail damage makes a dent Iowa Press-Citizen - It was a rude awakening for those in bed, a nightmare for car and homeowners, a catastrophe for insurance agents and a blessing for auto repair shops.
Precision Automotive bought Twin Cities Business Journal - Precision Automotive Industries has been bought by an automotive aftermarket supplier.
DuPont affirms second-quarter, full-year forecasts Reuters - Chief Executive Charles Holliday, speaking at a luncheon for chemical analysts, said he still expects the company to earn about 78 cents a share for the second quarter and $2.10 to $2.30 for the full year.
Honda Announces Major Investment in the Marysville Auto Plant Yahoo News - Housed in a 234,000-square-foot expansion, the paint facility will introduce waterborne paint systems to the Marysville plant when it goes into full operation in mid-2006. This, along with new paint systems developed by Honda, is expected to reduce emissions by 41 percent. Investment in high- efficiency ovens, air recycling systems and highly efficient variable drive motors should reduce energy use by 34 percent.
New IRC Study Reveals Regional Auto Claim Cost Differences in California PRNewswire - According to a new Insurance Research Council (IRC) report, Californians in major cities are more likely than non-metropolitan residents to 1) be involved in auto accidents, 2) have auto insurance losses per insured vehicle that are above the statewide average, and 3) file bodily injury liability (BI) claims when auto accidents occur.
Bill closing loopholes advances in House Pantagraph.com - A House committee OK'd several measures Wednesday that could mean higher tax bills for Illinois businesses, including Bloomington-based State Farm Insurance Cos.
State Auto bidder gives up, sells stake to Carl Icahn Columbus Business Journal - An Illinois insurance executive's bid to take over State Auto Financial Corp. is over, although it's not clear what will happen to his shares. -- Representatives from State Auto were unavailable Wednesday to comment on whether the sale marks the start of a new takeover bid.
State Farm to add local jobs First Coast News - State Farm Insurance announced that it will add jobs to its Jacksonville operations resulting from a companywide consolidation of two departments that are currently housed in multiple locations. The Jacksonville expansion project is expected to attract new residents via transfer, create new positions, and potentially lead to growth at the Jacksonville Operations Center.

May 12, 2004

DaimlerChrysler to Sell Hyundai Stake Reuters - As a part of the agreement, the two firms will end a South Korean truck engine joint venture, with Hyundai buying DaimlerChrysler's 50 percent stake for 60 billion won ($51 million). They will also end talks to set up a comprehensive commercial vehicles joint venture in South Korea.
DaimlerChrysler recalls vehicles MarketWatch - More than 1 million vehicles affected
Ford restructuring appears on track, but obstacles remain Yahoo News (AP) - A little more than a year after characterizing his job as "brutal," Ford Motor Co. chairman and chief executive Bill Ford is far more upbeat these days, and for good reason.
Harmon Solutions Group Announces Investment in Call Center Operations GlassBytes - Harmon Solutions Group (HSG) announces a major investment in its call center operations. Reflecting a multi-million dollar investment in its independent third party administration (TPA) business, HSG announced today that among other new enhancements it is rolling out a new claims administration platform that provides real-time on-line reporting of claims management information to its customers, and will include a web-based audit package to ensure vendor compliance.
Auto insurance dilemma El Defensor Chieftain, NM - The state's new emphasis on compliance with the mandatory motor vehicle financial responsibility law is certainly welcome. While the original law has been on the books for years, it has been largely unenforceable on a statewide scale because of a lack of tools.
State Farm CEO Honored week.com - The Chairman and CEO of State Farm is being honored at the White House this week.
Insurers Face Class Action Over Isabel Claims Insurance Journal - A class action lawsuit against various insurance companies was filed in United States District Court, Baltimore, Maryland alleging that the insurance companies failed to deliver the promised benefits to thousands of persons who held flood insurance policies and suffered damage to their houses in September 2003 from Hurricane Isabel.

May 11, 2004

Danger Overhead - Crushed Roofs: Sweeping roof rule changes in doubt Detroit News - Safety agency indicates it will only modify current tests rather than ordering overhaul
Goodyear sues suppliers on synthetic rubber prices Reuters - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is suing 12 chemical companies in the United States and Europe, claiming they illegally fixed the price of a chemical used in rubber products. -- Named as defendants were Bayer AG , Bayer Polymers LLC, Bayer Corp., Crompton Corp., Uniroyal Chemical Co. Inc., the Dow Chemical Co, E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co, DuPont Dow Elastomers LLC, DSM Elastomers BV, DSM CoPolymer Inc., Polimeri Europa SpA and Polimeri Europa Americas Inc.
Axle CEO to Big 3: Change now or die The Detroit News - With its survival on the line, Detroit’s auto industry must adopt an immediate action plan to address threats posed by “brutal, relentless and intense” foreign competition, the prominent head of an automotive supplier said Monday. -- “The uneven playing field that we are being forced to play on must be fixed, not winked at,” Dauch said.
J.P. Morgan, Goldman to Market Loans to U.S. Car-Parts Makers Bloomberg - J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley are among lenders that will this week seek investors for loans to auto-parts makers including Mark IV Industries Inc. and Tower Automotive Inc. as the companies are pressured by carmakers to cut prices.
Auto parts supplier opens plant in Gallatin Nashville Business Journal - PK U.S.A. has opened an automotive parts manufacturing facility in Gallatin.
Toyota Profit Jumps; Outlook Strong Reuters - Toyota Motor Corp posted on Tuesday a double-digit rise in annual profits as it slashed costs and drove sales higher in every major market, and forecast another strong year as it rolls out one hit model after another.
Ohio Casualty replaces CFO, reorganizes management Cincinnati Business Journal - Ohio Casualty Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Ohio Casualty Corp., named Michael Winner as its new CFO and announced a slew of other management moves.
Auto insurers' plea: Drive with us Boston Business Journal - Industry hopes reform will bring national competition to help shoulder risk

May 10, 2004

Motorcar Parts of America Announces Expanded Supply Relationship with AutoZone Business Wire - Under the new, multi-year agreement, MPA will be the primary supplier of alternators and starters in the import category for AutoZone's eight U.S. distribution centers, up from four currently. The import category makes up over one-half of MPA's existing business with AutoZone.
Government set to release side-impact safety proposal The Detroit News - This week, federal regulators plan to take a major step toward protecting passengers in side-impact crashes, which are responsible for 10,000 deaths each year on the nation’s highways.
Rouge Mustangs reach end of line The Detroit News - The last of 6.7 million Mustangs built at the famed Ford Rouge complex today will wind its way through one of the world’s last remaining multifloor assembly plants.
Insurance Claim Gone Bad WSOC-TV - To make sure that your car gets repaired correctly, start by going to a reliable body shop. -- They can tell you if the adjuster allowed enough time for them to repair all that's wrong with the car. -- Also, they can tell you if the adjuster authorized factory parts or seconds.
Supplier Industry Strengthens Its Voice in Washington; Launches Automotive Suppliers’ Legislative and Public Policy Summit Business RPM - The inaugural event was attended by more than 100 representatives of the automotive and heavy duty supplier industry, members of Congress and government agency leaders, including Congressman John Dingell and NHTSA Administrator Dr. Jeffrey Runge. The event was sponsored by Foley & Lardner.
No-show Deion loses car-repairs case Houston Chronicle - Sanders may have to pay more than $5,000 after the judge ruled in favor of an auto-body shop for an unpaid paint job and repairs made in 2000 to Sanders' 1985 Mercedes convertible.
Students Square Off in Idaho Auto Repair Championship KBCI-TV - Fix This! That's was the challenge on Friday for some high school students going head to head in an auto repair competition.
Speedy C-Type helped make Jaguar famous Sun Times - Jaguar came up with one of the world's most coveted sports cars in 1948 with its stunning XK-120 roadster, but knew it had to win major races to put itself on the international map. That job was given to the gorgeous 1951-53 C-Type Jaguar, which was the British automaker's first genuine race car.
Bridgestone/Firestone Announces Price Increases Trucking Info - Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNT) and Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. have jointly announced "across the board" price increases of up to 5% on the companies’ tire products sold in the replacement and original equipment markets in all channels.
Superior Industries Announces 12.7% Increase In Cash Dividend; Marks 21st Consecutive Year of Higher Dividends Business Wire - "In addition to providing a tangible reward to our loyal shareholders, this 21st consecutive increase in Superior's annual cash dividend clearly signals our confidence in our company's future," said President and Chief Operating Officer Steven Borick at today's annual meeting of shareholders.
Road to Reform: Massachusetts auto insurance industry uses South Carolina as model for overhaul The Patriot Ledger - South Carolina's insurance commissioner, Ernst Csiszar, met with Division of Insurance officials in Boston last week just as a task force appointed by Gov. Mitt Romney to look at ways to reform the state's auto insurance system met for the first time.
Calif. insurer begins drive for Chicago auto business Sun Times - Competition for Illinois drivers' auto insurance is heating up with the expansion of a California auto insurance company into Chicago.
State Farm is moving its data center to Lisle Bloomington Pantagraph - Machines, not people, will move from State Farm Insurance Cos.' Corporate South building in Bloomington to Lisle.
Berkshire without Buffett? Shareholders' outlooks mixed Sun Times - Speculation has swirled for years about who will succeed Buffett. But as he prepares for his 74th birthday in August, buzz about the inevitable seems to be growing louder, and never more so than at last weekend's Berkshire shareholders meeting in Omaha.

May 7, 2004

Belts With Brains Detroit Free Press - New safety devices embrace drivers before crashes
Black box shows car crash data Globe Mega Wheels - EDR could be either an eye-glazing acronym or the difference between you and the other driver paying huge sums of money or going to jail. And it's getting lots of attention since a Montreal man was sentenced to 18 months on evidence from his car's event-data recorder.
Lord Corporation Announces 6,500 Milestone for Graduates of I-Car Certified Fusor 001 PRNewswire - Lord Corporation, maker of Fusor(R) Automotive Repair Adhesives -- the leading metal and composite bonding solution for automotive body repair -- has announced that more than 6,500 students have graduated from their Fusor 001 Metal and Plastic Bonding/Repair program.
RepairOne Reports Best-Ever April Sales and Record-Setting First Quarter PRNewswire - RepairOne today announced best-ever April sales, an increase of 59.7 percent over last year's record April.
Tenneco Automotive Honored With Ford's 2003 World Excellence Award PRNewswire - "For achieving the highest level of performance, we gratefully recognize Tenneco Automotive for its exceptional contributions and efforts," said Tony Brown, Ford Vice President, Global Purchasing.
Arkansas lands another auto Japanese auto parts plant Arkansas News - Gov. Mike Huckabee, making good on a promise he made after a March trip to the Far East, announced Tuesday that another Japanese company plans to build a plant in eastern Arkansas to make parts for Toyota.
Chrysler regroups vehicle development Detroit News - DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group, in the midst of an aggressive new model rollout, restructured its product development group to improve quality, cut costs and support more flexible manufacturing.
How a rising DaimlerChrysler exec got the boot Detroit News - Bernhard lost top Mercedes job by challenging Schrempp, who scrambles to regain authority
ASA Announces Mechanical Division Operations Committee ASA - In elections held earlier this year, Automotive Service Association (ASA) members elected Earl Dohner, AAM, E&E's Garage, Brookville, Ohio, as mechanical division director. As such, Dohner serves on ASA's board of directors and chairs the 2004 ASA Mechanical Division Operations Committee.
Blue Bird Selects PPG as Single-Source Supplier Truckinginfo.com - Blue Bird Corp., a leading manufacturer of school buses, commercial buses and recreational vehicles, has chosen PPG Industries as its single-source paint supplier after rigorous evaluation of several top paint providers.

May 6, 2004

An Industry First, The Hartford Speeds Electronic Claim Submission PRNewswire - Rapidly submitting a timely First Notice of Loss (FNOL) report for a commercial auto or property insurance claim leads to faster settlements and satisfied claimants.
Sen. Alexander and Rep. Knollenberg Honored by Automotive Suppliers PRNewswire - The award, which honors the work of legislators in helping to advance the automotive industry, was presented at a special dinner kicking off the first MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., sponsored by Foley & Lardner.
Few SUVs win highest U.S. safety ratings Seattle Post Intelligencer - The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, GMC Envoy XUV and Oldsmobile Bravada each earned three out of five stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's frontal crash tests. But they earned five stars on the side-impact tests.
TRW Automotive Posts Quarterly Profit Reuters - The maker of seat belts, airbags, brakes and steering systems said sales of new products and the impact of the weaker dollar helped offset lower automotive production, industry pressure for price reductions to customers and reduced sales due to divestitures.
eAutoclaims Announces the Closing of $1.6 Million in New Financing Yahoo News - Of the $1.6 million, $1.35 million was a sale of equity to multiple investors at $0.28 per share and $250,000 was an 8% convertible debenture from one of the Company's Directors.
First-quarter profits at auto parts maker Intier soar on higher sales Canada.com - Intier, a spinoff company of auto parts giant Magna International, said it made $24.6 million US, or 41 cents per share, in the three-month period ended March 31, well above the $13.6 million, or 26 cents per share in profits, the company made in the same period in 2003.
Former Mitsubishi Motors execs arrested on suspicion of falsifying data over fatal accident Yahoo News - Police arrested seven former executives of Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. on Thursday on suspicion they falsified a report on an accident in which a wheel flew off one of its trucks and killed a woman.
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC Files SEC form 10-Q, Quarterly Report EDGAR Online - Same store parts, service, and collision revenues increased primarily from strong performance at import dealerships.

May 5, 2004

China Eyes Car Parts Export Market Radio Free Asia - China has put aside plans to control over-investment in the booming auto sector and is planning huge increases in exports of cars and components instead. Experts told RFA that China might succeed in selling large volumes of car parts to the rest of the world but predicted problems with resources and U.S. labor unions if volumes became too large.
Staggering Forecast for China Auto Parts Market an Opening for New Business Models PRNewswire - 2003 was a remarkable year for the automobile market in China. Car production grew 80 percent and domestic car sales soared nearly 70 percent over the year before. During 2003 the total import to China of cars and car parts grew 86 percent over 2002. China now ranks fourth in automobile production and third in automobile sales in the world.
Universal Automotive Begins Second Phase of Integrating Acquisition PRNewswire - Universal Automotive Industries, Inc. today said it has begun the second phase of a planned program to integrate the operations of the assets it acquired from TRW Automotive, Inc. in January 2004, which effectively doubled Universal's size.
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Schedules Second Quarter Fiscal 2004 Earnings Release and Conference Call PRNewswire - Universal Technical Institute, Inc., one of the nation's leading providers of technical education training, announced today that it will hold a conference call on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. EST to discuss its second quarter financial results, operating performance and business outlook.
Automotive Students to Pop Hoods and Vie for State Auto Repair Championship Business Wire - The Southland's finest high school auto technology students will square off to diagnose and repair identically bugged Ford Crown Victorias at the 2004 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition at Irwindale Speedway, Friday, May 7.
Students Thrilled To Give Classic Car a New Look Winchester Star - Class Transforms Plymouth Roadrunner into Showpiece
Wichita tech college receives program certification Wichita Business Journal - The Auto Collision Repair training program at Wichita Area Technical College has received recertification by two national education groups.
Senate Passes Consumer Protection Bill for Auto Contracts News10 - The California Senate approved a bill on Monday that would keep auto dealers from packing sales contracts with provisions the buyer wasn't informed about.
American Bag Corporation to close in July WKYT27 - American Bag Corporation makes air bags and has been in operation in southern Kentucky for 34 years.

May 4, 2004

History Bows at a Ford Plant NY Times - Next month, the Ford Motor Company will try to satisfy everybody with a new tour of what is perhaps the most historic auto plant and now arguably the most modern: the renovated Ford Rouge Center in Dearborn, Mich.
RTI students learn to repair collision damage Rolla Daily News - Rattle, rattle, thunder, clatter, boom, boom, boom -- those are the words from a radio commercial advertising a chain of vehicle repair stores. Many of the same sounds can be heard in the garage of Rolla Technical Institute's collision repair program.
ConsumerWatch: Timing Is Everything In Car Repairs KETV - We've all been there. Take your car to a mechanic and the labor estimate comes back with times down to the decimal point -- 0.2 hours for ding repair, 0.7 hours to replace your brake pads. --How do they come up with those figures? Even repairmen aren't sure.
Plastic pioneer changed industry Detroit News - Executive's ideas made autos safer and more efficient
PCI Comments on Allstate Class Action Verdict Insurance Journal - "In several lawsuits over recent years, juries have rejected diminished value as a flawed and unreasonable concept," stated John Lobert, PCI senior vice president of state legislative affairs. "This verdict is just the latest opportunity for informed jurors to reject attempts by plaintiffs' lawyers to pervert the plain language of the insurance contract."
Nearly 40% of Car Buyers Say Gas Prices Have Affected Vehicle Purchase Decision PRNewswire - Additional New Car Buyers Say 25 Cent Increase in Gas Prices Will Affect Their Purchase Decision
Outlook improving for paint industry Home Channel News - After struggling through two years of sales declines, U.S. paint manufacturers experienced a 3.9 percent sales growth in 2003, according to a recent study by Business Trend Analysts, a market research firm. This trend will accelerate this year, and coatings suppliers can expect gains of 4.2 percent, bringing total industry sales to $18.2 billion.
Bill protects insurance rates from storm costs News-Leader - Even if last year's tornadoes hit your house or car, they may not hit your insurance premiums. -- Then again, they might.

May 3, 2004

Chrysler Group Honors Top Suppliers, Employees in Diversity Supplier Development PRNewswire - Suppliers, Employees Help Company Reach 11-Percent Diversity Buy
ASA's Bill Haas Featured on Fox News Program Autobody Online - The interview took place at the cable station's affiliate in Dallas, where Haas discussed the OEMs progress in providing repair information to independent automotive repair facilities.
Hyundai: DaimlerChrysler to Sell Stake Reuters - DaimlerChrysler plans to sell a 10.5 percent stake in Hyundai Motor Co worth nearly $1 billion via a block sale, an official at South Korea's top automaker said on Monday.
Tower Automotive workers reject Steelworkers representation Sun Herald - Workers at Tower Automotive in Madison voted 162-18 against joining the United Steelworkers of America.
Transmission Trouble: Fighting Auto Repair Fraud In Las Vegas KVBC - Auto repair fraud is always among the top consumer complaints, but cases often boil down to the mechanic's word against the customer's.
The latest makeover target — your car Naples Daily News - First it was your face and then your home. Now, television is telling you to do something about your ride.
Laurens Automotive Parts Plant Expanding, Adding Jobs The Carolina Channel - Multi-Million Dollar Investment Bringing 50 Jobs
Ford Motor Company and Victims' Legal Team Settle Texas Door Latch Case PRNewswire - The wrongful death cases of these two Texas women were resolved in a settlement with Ford Motor Company on April 21, 2004, for an undisclosed sum hours before closing arguments were to be made in the trial.
Get going on auto insurance reform Berkshire Eagle - There is no reason why Massachusetts should have a completely unique auto insurance system, and a costly and expensive one at that, and we hope the task force charged by Governor Romney to study the system will be the first step in reform.
Insurer succeeds with policy of putting customer first Newsday - New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group doesn't advertise, does little self-promotion and tells its employees to put good service above growing the company.

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